How to identify the Bare-faced Ibis

To correctly identify the Bare-faced Ibis (Phimosus infuscatus), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

46-55 cm (18-22 in)

Wingspan

80-90 cm (31-35 in)

Weight

450-750 g (16-26 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults possess a dark, glossy, greenish-bronze plumage that can appear blackish in certain lights. The head, neck, and underparts are typically darker, often purplish-black. The feathers of the hindneck are elongated, forming a slight crest, though this is not always prominent.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Long, slender, decurved (downcurved) bill, typically dark grayish or blackish, with a slight reddish tinge at the base in some individuals.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown, set within the prominent bare facial skin.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dull reddish-orange to grayish-red, contrasting with the dark body.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The most striking feature is the large area of bare, wrinkled, reddish-orange facial skin, extending from the base of the bill around the eye and covering the lores and periocular region. This bare skin is a key identification mark. It also has a noticeably short tail for an ibis.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are duller than adults, lacking the glossy sheen. Their bare facial skin is less intensely colored, often grayish or duller reddish, and less wrinkled. The plumage may be more brownish-black.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   The intensity of the reddish-orange facial skin may be more vibrant during the breeding season, but overall plumage does not show significant seasonal changes.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are similar in plumage and size; no significant sexual dimorphism is observed.

Key field marks

• Bare Facial Skin. Look for the large, prominent patch of wrinkled, reddish-orange bare skin on the face, extending around the eye and to the base of the bill. This is the most diagnostic feature.
• Plumage Color. Observe the uniform dark, glossy greenish-bronze plumage. It appears very dark, almost black, but with a subtle metallic sheen in good light.
• Bill Shape and Color. Note the long, slender, strongly decurved dark bill. It is noticeably curved downwards along its entire length.
• Leg Color. Identify the dull reddish-orange to grayish-red legs, which contrast with the dark body.
• Short Tail. In flight or when perched, notice its relatively short tail compared to other ibis species.

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